Commission schedules formal hearing after investigator presents witness accounts in William Evans case

The commission voted to set a formal hearing for William Evans after investigators described new witness accounts that conflicted with prior testimony.

At the March informal hearing the investigator told the commission he had interviewed three witnesses who said Evans "definitely did see the assault take place," that he was "3 to 5 feet away" from the incident and had been drinking that night. The investigator said two witnesses believed Evans’ level of alcohol consumption exceeded Tennessee’s legal limit and described seeing a jug of moonshine and a gallon of Jack Daniels in a vehicle.

Evans told the commission the allegations were "fabricated," said he had evidence (photographs and text messages) that would contradict the investigator’s account and asked for a formal hearing so he could subpoena witnesses and present that evidence. "The entire thing has been fabricated," he told the panel, and he said he wanted the opportunity to present material in a formal proceeding.

Commissioner Green moved to set the matter for a formal hearing so witnesses could testify in person; the motion was seconded and the chair called for a voice vote. The chair announced the motion carried and said scheduling would be coordinated with Evans.

During the informal session defense counsel and the agency also reviewed related background: counsel noted that some charges in connected incidents had been dismissed and expunged and described remedial steps such as counseling. Counsel asked the commission to consider expungement and investigatory detail when weighing the need for formal action.

Members of the public addressed the panel during the hearing. Eric Scott, who identified himself as a deputy with the Acre Bend Sheriff’s Office, accused the chief deputy of showing "no remorse" and alleged he had "knowingly and intentionally refused to stop his friend from assaulting" the victim. Linda Johnson, introduced for public comment, urged the commission to hold officials accountable and said she intended to present additional evidence at future meetings.

The commission did not adjudicate guilt or impose discipline at the informal hearing; it set a separate formal proceeding to receive sworn testimony and evidence. The chair said the commission would notify Evans about scheduling and next steps.